Study of health status in class four workers in a charitable rural hospital in India

Introduction
Occupational Health should aim at the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree physical, mental and social well-being of workers in all occupations; the adaptation of work to man and of each man to his job is very important. In view of the current health status of class IV workers working in hospitals was reviewed, exposure to occupational health hazards, hospital waste management and accordingly to plan and suggest preventive measures were studied.

Methods
Present Cross-sectional study was carried out in charitable rural hospital in India in class IV workers for a period of four months. The workers were reviewed for general health parameters viz. physical examination, nutritional status, knowledge, attitude, practice of workers towards his work along with detail investigations like x-rays’, blood, urine and sputum examinations.

Results
During this study 72 workers were screened. This study included 38% males and 62% female workers. There are approx. 48% of total workers are tobacco chewers and alcoholics. The consumption of tobacco products and alcohol in male workers is more. Overall about 25 %, 33% and 15.30% of the total workers had mild, moderate and severe anemia respectively. When female workers were focused it was observed that more than 20 % of total female workers were suffering from severe type of anemia. Significant number of the workers is having complaints of fall of heavy object (47%), Needle Stick injuries (62.50%), and facing Abuse of assault by patients or their relatives (10%) and blood contact (37.50%).

Discussion
The class IV workers are addicted to tobacco chewing and alcohol. Many of them suffer from anemia, hypertension, back ache acidity, skin diseases, fall of heavy objects, needle stick injuries. Significant number of workers is using personnel protective equipments (PPE) and is immunized.